As president of Penn State's chapter of Uplifting Athletes, Ben Kline is responsible for the annual Lift For Life charity that has raised more than $825,000 for kidney cancer research. After former coach Bill O'Brien left for Houston, Kline wrote an open letter to fans (read it here) that promised, "We will not let this program falter."

Off the field, Kline represents the program well. On the field, the linebacker has made some skilled plays but also struggled to stay healthy. That streak has continued.

According to Lions247's Sean Fitz, Kline sustained a torn Achilles tendon that could sideline him for some time (read more here). Penn State coach James Franklin does not discuss injuries, so the severity and recovery period will remain uncertain.

Because of shoulder and chest injuries, Kline played in just six games last year, making back-to-back starts against Illinois and Minnesota. He made 18 tackles in six games, including a career-high eight against Illinois.

Kline was a protential starter outside, and his loss would be significant enough. But Penn State already is thin on experienced, scholarship linebackers, making this a position primed for switches or freshmen participation.

Without Kline, the Lions would have four scholarship linebackers with playing experience (Mike Hull, Brandon Bell, Gary Wooten and Nyeem Wartman). Walk-ons such as Drew Boyce, T.J. Rhattigan Adam Cole and Matt Baney could contribute.

But several incoming freshmen likely will get an opportunity as well, Troy Reeder and Jason Cabinda among them. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop also could scour his secondary for a player like Stephen Obeng-Agyapong, who played a hybrid safety/linebacker position last year. Adriam Amos is a candidate.